1997 QUT Handbook

provide equal employment and educational opportunities within QUT and identify and remove barriers
to participation and progression in employment and education, and implement an Affirmative Action
Program for equity groups
eliminate unlawful discrimination against staff and students on the grounds of sex; marital status;
pregnancy; breastfeeding; race; age; parenthood; physical, intellectual and mental impairment; religious
belief; lawful sexual activity; trade union activity; criminal record; social origin; medical record;
nationality; or political belief or activity
comply with state and federal legislation on Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
and binding international human rights instruments.
The Vice-Chancellor, through the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and the management of the University,
is responsible for implementation of this policy. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) is assisted by the
Equity Coordinator.
QUT expects all staff, students and members of the University community to act in accordance with this
policy.
NON-DISCRIMINATORY PRESENTATION AND PRACTICE
Queensland University of Technology endorses a policy of non-discriminatory presentation and practice in
all administrative and academic activities of the University.
Accordingly, the University will:
actively promote the use of non-discriminatory language and presentation in all QUT documents and
publications and non-discriminatory teaching practice in classrooms
put in place a procedure for setting complaints and grievances about discriminatory language, presentation,
and teaching practices
make all staff aware of their responsibilities under the policy and of the existence of a complaints procedure,
and circulate suitable educational material to assist staff to comply
require that in the development of guidelines and teaching activities for students, staff encourage students
to comply with the policy.
Heads of School are responsible for implementing and monitoring the policy, and for responding to
complaints.
Staff or students with complaints or concerns regarding discriminatory practices should approach their
Head of School or, if preferred:
the Equity Officer
any member of Women in QUT within their Faculty/School
the Women’s Services Officer of the Student Guild.
SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED HARASSMENT POLICY
QUT has adopted a Policy on Equal Opportunity to reflect its commitment to equal opportunity and freedom
from all forms of discrimination in education and employment, as determined by legislation or by Council.
QUT recognises the right of all students and staff to work and/or study in an environment free from sexual
and gender-based harassment. Sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of sex are unlawful and
unacceptable within the University.
The University acknowledges its responsibility to ensure that staff, students and members of the university
community are made aware of what constitutes unacceptable behaviour within the University and that all
managers and supervisors are aware of their responsibility for ensuring the maintenance of proper standards
of conduct within the University.
The University recognises also its responsibility to take prompt and effective action to deal with complaints
of sexual and gender-based harassment and to ensure that all people involved in the complaint, including
the complainant, the person complained about and witnesses are treated fairly. The university will do
everything in its power to ensure that people are not victimised in any way. It also recognises the responsibility
of managers to take a pro-active role in dealing with any manifestations of sexual and gender-based
harassment in accordance with this policy.
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